Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Wooden Bows, Sinew-backed Bows, Composite Bows, Strings, Arrows & Quivers [Paperback]

Jim Hamm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1992

A comprehensive account of the history and construction of these unique hunting tools.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A complete step-by-step guide to wooden bows, sinew-backed bows, composite bows, strings, arrows and quivers. (6 X 9, 160 pages, b&w photos, illustrations, diagrams, charts)

Product Details

• Paperback: 159 pages
• Publisher: Lyons & Burford, Publishers; 1st edition (January 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558211683
• ISBN-13: 978-1558211681
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #527,779 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Archery

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best available on subject, March 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Wooden Bows, Sinew-backed Bows, Composite Bows, Strings, Arrows & Quivers (Paperback)

Every book but this one says simply to cut a branch, work it a bit, cut some sticks for arrows and have at itBR hamm tells how to do it righBrHis methods are not easy, but then, nothing worthwhile isBRInstructions are clear and complete, however, discussion of point making is limitedBRThe only things omitted were the cut fingers and blistersBRFrustration is well coveredBRPThis is not a book for someone wanting an analysis of bow styles among the different groups, but a book for someone who wants to make a "Primitive Bow" that shoots true, fast, and accurately , and is adequate for big game hunting BRHighly recommended

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for Anthropologists, and Archeologists., August 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Wooden Bows, Sinew-backed Bows, Composite Bows, Strings, Arrows & Quivers (Paperback)

Jim Hamm's book is very entertaining as well as enlightening reading. As an archeologist I am indebted to this author for filling in many blanks for me. My understanding of a primary technology for prehistoric peoples has increased many folds due to the work and clear presentation in Hamm's book. In my two professions as Archeologist and Indian Arts Dealer as well as an archer, this publication has filled a void in knowledge. I'd finished re-reading "Ishi in Two Worlds" just prior to picking up Hamm's book. Jim Hamm has provided understanding of "primitive" lifeways, technology, and the skill and diversity regarding a fundamental weapon and food gathering tool for me. I'd begun to read only to be able to comment to customer's inquiry about the title in our Indian Arts shop, but Hamm's engaging writing style and obvious command of his subject drew me in. I recommend the title not just for those who would build their own bow and arrows, but also for archeologists, anthropologists, pre-historians and the intellectually curious. "Bow & Arrows of the Native Americans" would be an excellent supplementary text for academic Anthropology courses. Could we hope for a publisher to overcome the "out of print" condition for this book? Of course, I am now intrigued by the other Hamm titles.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT SOURCE FOR THE BEGINNER, May 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Wooden Bows, Sinew-backed Bows, Composite Bows, Strings, Arrows & Quivers (Paperback)

This book is well done. Full of good information for the beginning bowyer. The only criticism I have is that it does not cover all of the woods used by the american indian. overall I rate the book as excellent.